General description.

Named for the state in which it was discovered, but not necessarily common to, the "Kentucky Warbler" is a secretive bird and is usually heard before it's seen among rich, dark woodlands with thick undergrowth. When observed, the "Kentucky Warbler" can be viewed walking rapidly with bobbing tail, overturning leaves and sticks in search of spiders and bugs. Often it leaps eight to ten inches off the ground to take prey from beneath overhanging leaves or branches.

Female appearance.

The sexes are similar.

Breeding habits.

The "Kentucky Warbler" breeds from Iowa east to New Jersey and in the southeastern part of the U.S.

Calls or song.

Sounding very similar to the "Carolina Wren", this warbler chants a loud and penetrating, "tur-dle, tur-dle, tur-dle, tur-dle".

Population and distribution.

The "Kentucky Warbler" winters in the tropics.

Nesting habits.

The male and female cooperate in building a loose, bulky nest of dead leaves, grass and rootlets, placed on, or just above the ground, well hidden among thick vegetation. There she lays 4 or 5 brown spotted white eggs. Cowbirds frequently victimize the warbler's nest.